Keith Beardsley

Partner, True North Public Affairs (Ottawa)

All too often, the Conservatives designate a minister with little knowledge of a file to defend it against opposition attacks. Quite often this is done by one of their attack dogs. Other than the present administration, I don't recall that happening under previous Liberal or Conservative governments.

Andrew Pyle

Wealth Advisor, Associate Portfolio Manager,ScotiaMcLeod

The recovery in the TSX since the first week of August, while choppy, has all the right ingredients going for it. A pattern of higher lows and highs and declining volatility will work to entice investors back into risk assets, and improving portfolios will bolster consumer sentiment.

Keith Beardsley

Partner, True North Public Affairs (Ottawa)

The "summer of discontent" hasn't started yet, and yet the Opposition continues their pre-election day complaints that the Conservatives didn't announce how they were going to save $4 billion in operating costs. A hot summer will probably get much hotter and make for an interesting fall session when the House returns.

Eric Farnsworth

Vice President, Council of the Americas

The clamor from non-European nations is now for the new IMF managing director to be drawn from an emerging market nation. That's fine, so long as the person is selected for their competence.

Megan Harris

Jack Layton and Giles Duceppe can be credited for unleashing the political passion of Canadians but they should also pay the price at the polls for plunging Canada into a political crisis.